So do you think that Brian shouldn't have helped him? Do you think he should have not shared information and possibly won himself? I believe that even if Kevin had not used that cooking method he would've found something else to do perfectly.

No, I think Brian should of helped him and he did. My point is that the contest doesn't bring professionalism into the judging which is a big part of being a top chef. Brian was very professional and helped Kevin out.

I don't think Kevin would of one in the time alloted if Brian would not of helped him.

Not at all. What I was saying is that there's no question in anybody else's mind that Michael most emphatically would not have. And not only because it's a contest. Judging from his total behavior, I don't believe he'd have taught the technique to somebody who worked in the same kitchen. The man is totally self-centered, and believes he's the only serious cook in the world.

I don't think Kevin would of one in the time alloted if Brian would not of helped him.

I'd have to disagree. Look at the record of Kevin's wins and near wins. What I think would have happened is that he'd have gone in a different direction, and, perhaps, still have won.

They have taken the oath of the brother in blood, in leavened bread and salt. Rudyard Kipling

I agree. Kevin is not as charismatic as the Voltaggio brothers, but he's more consistent. He's won more challenges than anyone and just about everything he puts out is executed perfectly. In this day of food fads, gimmicks, and tricks, it's a brave man that consistently wins on seemingly simple food. I have to believe that it's not nearly as simple as it appears on the screen.

At the beginning of the challenge, they said the contestants were supposed to create a "Bocuse" dish. I know what the Bocuse D'Or competition is, but I don't understand what they meant by a Bocuse dish. A certain kind of food, or serving style, or just something worthy of that competition? Was it referring to those big oval platters? Can someone enlighten me, please.

I believe they meant something in the spirit of the Bocuse d'Or---that is, perfectly executed, perfectly presented, and, ultimately, tasting good. Keep in mind, with a challenge like that, the flavors had to balance not only within each dish, but also between the three dishes.

Not an easy thing to do, period. Throw the time constraint in on top and wow! It's like a dancing bear---the wonder isn't that he's so graceful, but that he can even do it at all.

They have taken the oath of the brother in blood, in leavened bread and salt. Rudyard Kipling

I think a "bocuse" dish is something you would know if you followed this kind of competition on a yearly basis. There are probably unwritten rules followed that we know nothing of. My idea is that there has to be some kind of new techniqued developed, or something really innovated such as what the guest judge described: a protein within a protein within a protein.

looks like her run is over... should be interesting... clearly michael voltaggio is the best out of all three (in my opinion), however im not sure who will win... maybe kevin since he is the most consistent?

I also think that Michael is the favorite going into the finale, but I'd like to see Kevin win since I personally prefer his style.

Yes, the Voltaggios make really complex, exquisite meals, but I find that when it comes to great food, often times it's like Miles Davis said, "Less is more." If I remember correctly, the few times when Michael tried to make more simple food, he failed to execute.

Disappointing. If they were to base their decision on who cooked the tastiest food most consistently throughout the show they would have picked Kevin. If they were to base their decision on merely the final meal they would have picked Brian. But how they came to this decision I don't understand. Looks to me like their favorite was picked out all along.

overall he was the best. at least in my opinion. however kevin seems to have been the most consistant, but hes not marketable along with the fact that me makes comfort foods which do not have that sex appeal that some ppl look for.

Unfortunately, Kevin choked last night...I think he got a little frazzled with his unlucky draw with the sous chefs. However, I didn't understand how the judges made their final decision either. I thought they said that Kevin won the mom's dish round with his chicken skin on squash puree while Michael's broccoli puree was inferior, Michael won the mystery box round, Bryan's venison beat out Michael's squab, and Bryan's dessert was better than Michael's poorly executed and dry cake.

To me, that sounds like Bryan won 2 out of 4 courses. Did I mis-hear the whole judges' discussion?

One thing to understand with all these competitions is that we don't get to hear the bulk of the judges discussions. In fact, they are intentional edited to give us the wrong idea, so that the announcement comes as a surprise.

If you think this is misleading on Top Chef, compare the judges' discussion we hear on Chopped with their final decisions. You have to wonder if they and we were watching the same competition.

They have taken the oath of the brother in blood, in leavened bread and salt. Rudyard Kipling

It was definitely the best season yet. I'm sure Michael, Brian, and Kevin all have loads of success coming their way.

As for the judges' final decision, Michael's dishes are definitely the most "artistic," so if you're looking at cooking from that angle, he's definitely the winner. No matter how you feel about the judges' final decision, nobody can deny that these three finalists all deserved to be there.

IMO, the season finale should be longer. This way we can see more of the judges' discussion (who cares if there's a surprise or not...it's the finale, if you're not hooked by this point then you never will be) and more importantly, more of the cooking.

I do agree that Michael's dishes were the more inventive and artistic. However, I don't think I'd enjoy working in his kitchen! He always seemed to operate from a sour grapes perspective, and certainly didn't show any great management skills when working with other people. There was a post a while ago about the judges not judging on personality issues - but I think they do take it into consideration. The first season, I think with the woman chef who was so bossy in the kitchen lost - the judges all listened to the former contestant sous chefs who worked with her in the final; and another season - Marcel,maybe? The same thing. The judges all listened to what transpired in the kitchen during the finals. This time, though, they did seem to be judging on the food alone.

I remember Tom saying one time that the title of chef not only means cooking skill, but the ability to manage people and actually run the kitchen. I totally agree.

i would not mind working with him or anyone similar (eg: gordon ramsay etc.) i am not there to make friends i there to make food, and make a success out of my career... as long as i am able to take away something from the experience it is all worthwhile.

The challenge is never equally balanced at the end and regrettably Kevin drew the short stick with the Sous Chef's this time. He failed to manage his staff properly, became frustrated and ultimately failed. That's un-fortunate but I think he has a lot of raw talent with out the benefit of the work experience that the V brothers have. I think we will hear more from Kevin in the years to come.
IMO the right Chef won. In the end this was the best season yet and the show seems to be gaining credibility.
I would gladly work with any of them. No doubt both of the V brothers benefited from the time they spent working with Charlie Palmer.

I think the most wonderful thing in the world is another chef. I'm always excited about learning new things about food.Paul Prudhomme

Kevin has a chance to try out for the team. I'm a big fan of Kevin. You have to appreciate a young Chef with that much talent. However that type of cooking is not his forte. I do think he will still learn a lot from the mentoring he will likely receive and the opportunity to compete for a spot on the team.

I think the most wonderful thing in the world is another chef. I'm always excited about learning new things about food.Paul Prudhomme